MANILA – Alyssa Bertolano had a splendid UAAP debut as the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons walloped University of the East Lady Warriors, 25-19, 25-23, 25-23, in the UAAP Season 84 Women’s Volleyball on Thursday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Talisay City, Negros Occidental-native unloaded 20 points, including 18 attacks, a service ace and a block to go with six excellent digs to lead the way for the Fighting Maroons.
“It was exciting to be back, and playing in UAAP is my dream,” the 19-year-old Bertolano said. “It’s a big opportunity for me to represent UP women’s volleyball team, that’s all.”
“I’m excited to play, and sobrang gaan lang po sa pakiramdam na kilala mo ‘yung teammates mo, that’s why po parang ang easy lang po ng laro ngayon,” she added.
Antiqueña newcomer Irah Jaboneta chipped in 13 points, while Jewel Encarnacion added six markers, eight excellent digs, and five excellent receptions for UP.
The Fighting Maroons were still threatened late in the third set with the score tied at 21-all before Bertolano unloaded back-to-back hits to take a 23-21 advantage.
The Lady Warriors tied the score for the last time at 23-all but the former Bacolod Tay Tung High School standout Bertolano unloaded an off-the-spike hit for a 24-23 UP lead before she finished the game with a service ace.
“We finished the game well and we have no injuries even though we experienced a lot of fatigue, muscle cramps, and stuff like that but I’m just happy that we finished well,” said UP head coach Godfrey Okumu.
Janine Lana delivered 16 points along with 10 excellent receptions, while Apple Lingay had 12 points and seven excellent digs for the Lady Warriors.
Meanwhile, De La Salle University Lady Spikers picked up a four-set win over defending champions Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 22-25, 25-23, 25-18, 25-20.
Negrense Baby Soreno led the Lady Spikers with 17 points, while Alleiah Malaluan finished with a triple-double of 15 points, 15 excellent digs, and 11 excellent receptions./PN
